VnM 8 SignMaker User Manual Version 2.06 Updated: 05/20
Table of Contents Introduction VnM8 SignMaker Specifications Warranty Support Out of the Box Accessories VnM8 Quickstart VnM8 Keypad Template Navigation Loading VnM Ink Rolls Loading VnM Media Connecting VnM8 Keypad Powering Up the VnM8 SignMaker 2 3 4 5 6 6 VnM8 SignMaker Templates to 5 Line Horizontal Line Vertical 2 Line Horizontal Header Template Pipe Markers Arc Flash ANSI Signs Hazardous Waste Test Print Settings Select Font 7 8 9 0 2 3 4 5 5 Fonts/Symbols Common Questions 6 7
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the VnM 8 SignMaker. Let your imagination run wild with the VnM 8 by creating a variety of signs and labels perfect for safety, identification, and efficiency. Throughout the manual you will see Tip Sections, Troubleshoots, and important information that will make your sign and label creation experience quick and easy. Specifications Dimensions: 7.32 (W) x 3.23 (H) x 9.84 (D) Operating Conditions: 5-40 C (4-04 F) Storage Conditions: -40-60 C (-40-40 F) Resolution: 300 DPI AC Input: 90-264VAC, 47-63Hz DC Output: 24V 4-58A, 350W Internal Pwr Sply Print Speed: 2, 3, 4, or 5 inches per second Connections: VnM Keypad, USB, LPT, Ethernet 0/00 Warranty VnM 8 SignMaker comes with a 2-Year Printer Warranty, -Year Printhead Warranty, 6-Month Cutter Warranty, and -Year Keypad Warranty. Support For support, call the VnM Service & Technical department at 800.262.7298 or your local distributor. Out of the Box 2 3 4 5 6 The VnM 8 SignMaker out of the box includes:. VnM 8 SignMaker 2. VnM 8 Keypad 3. VnM 8 Power Cord 4. USB Cable 5. Take-Up Core for Ink 6. Cleaning Pen VnM Label Direct Sign Software The VnM Label Direct (optional) offers all the features you would expect from a professional labeling package including database integration, copy fitting, variable graphics, serial numbers and industry standard linear and 2D barcode symbologies. With Label Direct you can create and save templates on your PC and print straight to the VnM2 or VnM8 Sign Makers. Includes symbols library Connect via USB interface Must have GB of RAM or greater
VnM 8 Quickstart Open VnM-8 Printer Load Media & feed VnM through VnM 8 Cutter 2 3 Load VnM Ink Roll & attach to take up core. 4 Plug in VnM 8 Keypad 5 Connect power cord to the VnM 8 SignMaker & outlet 6 Turn ON VnM 8 SignMaker, choose template and print 2
Loading VnM Ink Rolls /IMPORTANT TURN OFF PRINTER WHEN CHANGING INK ROLLS /IMPORTANT FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONAL DIAGRAM INSIDE PRINTER 2 TURN OFF VnM 8 SignMaker, open the VnM8 & lift green lever to open printing assembly. 3 Slide on VnM8 Ink Roll to rear Ink Roll spindle. 4 Center the ink roll on the ink roll spindle and feed the ink roll under the printing assembly 5 Attach and center the take up core to the front ink spindle. 6 Feed the rear ink roll up to the take up core & attach in the centerusing a thin adheisvie tape. Once attached hand wind the front ink roll spindle up to remove any creases and to keep the tension taunt. 7 Close the print assembly and continue to Loading VnM8 Media. 3
Loading VnM Media /IMPORTANT HANDLE MEDIA ON THE SIDES TO PREVENT BAD PRINTS 2 Open the VnM8 Printer and release the printing assembly. 3 Slide on the VnM8 Media onto the center of the rear Media Spindle 4 Slide the Media Spindle end guide onto the Media Spindle to secure the VnM8 Media Roll 5 Feed the Media under the white roll bar & under the white media guides. 6 Secure the whtie media guides to the media and feed under green media sensor bar. 7 Continue to feed the media under the printing assebmly & between the cutter gap. 8 4 Review the media feed before closing the printing assembly. Close the printing assembly by pressing down until your hear a click.
Connecting VnM 8 Keypad 2 /IMPORTANT RECOMMEND POWERING VNM8 WITH A SURGE PROTECTOR. Connect the VnM8 Keypad cable (male) to the back of the VnM 8 SignMaker port (female). 2. Tighten the cable s screws to prevent the cable from being pulled off. Powering Up the VnM 8 SignMaker. After connecting the VnM 8 Keypad to the VnM 8SignMaker, connect power cord to the back of the VnM* SignMaker 2. Plug the 3-prong plug into the electrical outlet. 3. Turn on the VnM 8 SignMaker, select your template and print! USB Connection To print to the VnM8 via USB connection go to www.vnmsignmaker.com/drivers. Download and install the driver package before connecting the VnM8 to your PC Ethernet/Network Connection If you experience difficulties setting up the network connection of the VnM8 SignMaker please contact technical support by calling 800-262-7298. 2 3 /IMPORTANT KEEP VNM8 KEYPAD AND SIGNMAKER AWAY FROM STRONG MAGNETIC SOURCES 5
VnM 8 Keypad Template Navigation The VnM 8 template navigation tree to the left displays the flow and order of the templates. to 5 Line Horizontal More detailed information about the templates are found further in the manual. -Line Vertical 2-Line Horizontal to 5 Line Horizontal to 5 Line Horizontal is the default template when powering on the VnM 8 SignMaker and when pressing the ALT + EXIT keys. Header Templates Pipe Markers Template Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys on the VnM 8 Keypad to navigate through the templates. Press the ENTER key to select your template. Arc Hazard Template To go backward press the EXIT key, and confirm by pressing Y for Yes. ANSI Sign Templates + To get back to the main menu (or if you made a type error), press the ALT key + EXIT key. Hazardous Waste VnM PRINT SETTINGS VnM8 TIPS + ENTER TEXT: 5,, DIAMETER SELECT FONT In order to print quotations ( ) or inch and foot marks, press the SHIFT key + PERIOD key (on the numeric keypad). Do not use the keypad QUOTATION key, you will have blank text. 6
VnM 8 SignMaker Templates - to 5 Line Horizontal The to 5 Line Horizontal template is the most versatile template for the VnM 8 SignMaker. Create anything from to 5 lines of text and control the font size by selecting the appropriate media size. The sample sign below, a), was created by first selecting the SYMBOLS font, second selecting the to 5 Line Horizontal template, then select the media width and choosing for how many lines, then typing, /CAUTION where the / on the keypad screen represents / symbol. a) line template no reverse, symbols font to 5 Line Horizontal. Select the to 5 Line Horizontal template by pressing the ENTER key on the VnM 8 Keypad. ENTER MEDIA WIDTH: PRESS 4,5,6,7 OR 8 2. Enter the media width by pressing the number 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. Do not press enter after pressing the media size. XINCH HOW MANY LINES? PRESS,2,3,4 OR 5 3. Select how many lines by pressing the numbers, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Do not press enter after pressing the amount of lines. ENTER TEXT: /CAUTION 4. Enter the text/symbols for your sign and once you finished the line or sign, press the ENTER key. ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 5. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER. DANGER! b) line template reverse text (press Y) c) line template no reverse text (press N) REVERSE TEXT? (Y)ES OR (N)O NOTE: If you select the -Line template for any media size, you will have an extra prompt that asks if you would like reverse text, press Y for yes and N for no, reverse text is sample b). PRINT UP TO 5 LINES OF TEXT WITHOUT THE USE OF A COMPUTER OR SOFTWARE! d) 5 lines 7
VnM 8 SignMaker Templates - Line Vertical The Line Vertical template allows you to easily create a vertical text on VnM Media. E X I T a) no reverse text E X I T b) reverse text Below are sample created with the Line Vertical template. % z c) symbols font P 5 9 d) no reverse text -Line Vertical. Select the Line Vertical template by pressing the ENTER key on the VnM 8 Keypad. ENTER MEDIA WIDTH: PRESS 4,5,6,7 OR 8 2. Enter the media width by pressing the number 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 Do not press enter after pressing the media size. ENTER TEXT: EXIT 3. Enter the text/symbols for your vertical sign and once you finished the sign, press the ENTER key. REVERSE TEXT? (Y)ES OR (N)O 4. Press the N key for no reverse text (a) or press the Y key to reverse the print (b). ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 5. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER. VnM8 TIPS IF YOU ARE USING A 8 INCH MEDIA, TRY USING A 6 INCH TEMPLATE TO GET A SMALLER FONT 8
VnM 8 SignMaker Templates - 2 Line Horizontal The 2 Line Horizontal template gives you the ability to create a label with a large font size and the second line font size being smaller. BOILER WATER TO BOILER #5 a) 2-Line Horizontal b) 2-Line Horizontal Below are sample signs created with the 2 Line Horizontal template. LABORATORY ROOM 602 2-Line Horizontal. Select the 2 Line Horizontal template by pressing the ENTER key on the VnM 8 Keypad. ENTER MEDIA WIDTH: PRESS 4,5,6,7 OR 8 2. Enter the media width by pressing the number 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 Do not press enter after pressing the media size. Enter st Line: BOILER WATER 3. Enter the text/symbols for your first line of text, press the ENTER key when the first line is complete. Enter 2nd Line: TO BOILER #5 4. Enter the text/symbols for your second line of text, press the ENTER key when the second line is complete. ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 5. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER. VnM8 TIPS MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING THE RIGHT PRINT SETTING WITH THE PROPER INK AND MEDIA 9
VnM 8 SignMaker Templates - Header The Header template is perfect for creating Caution, Warning, Notice and Safety labels. /CAUTION DO NOT STAND WITHIN 25 FEET OF MACHINERY a) symbols font, 5-Line Header NOTE: Keep in mind the 4 lines below the header are always standard BOLD font even if you change the symbol. Left is a sample Header sign (a). SYMBOLS font is selected first then choose the Header template and press ENTER. For the Header line, /CAUTION is shown on the keypad, press ENTER. Then enter the information for the st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th line. The / seen on the keypad (after SYMBOLS font is chosen) translates to the yield / symbol. Keep in mind that if you do not need 4 lines of text to blank out the first line or any line you choose. Header Template. Select the Header template by pressing the ENTER key on the VnM 8 Keypad. ENTER MEDIA WIDTH: PRESS 4,6, OR 8 2. Enter the media width by pressing the number 4, 6, or 8 Do not press enter after pressing the media size. ENTER HEADER TEXT: /CAUTION 3. Enter the text/symbols for header, press the ENTER key when the first line is complete. ENTER ST LINE: DO NOT STAND 4. Enter the text/symbols for your first line of text, press the ENTER key when the first line is complete. ENTER 2ND LINE: WITHIN 5. Enter the text/symbols for your second line of text, press the ENTER key when the second line is complete. ÈNTER 3RD LINE: 25 FEET 6. Enter the text/symbols for your third line of text, press the ENTER key when the third line is complete. ENTER 4TH LINE: OF MACHINERY 7. Enter the text/symbols for your fourth line of text, press the ENTER key when the fourth line is complete. ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 8. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER. 0
VnM 8 SignMaker Templates - Pipe Marker The Pipe Markers Template meets ANSI/ ASMI letter height standards and tape lengths. Create any custom pipe marker with the appropriate template. FIRE SPRINKLER WATER b) 4 x 24 INCHES DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER c) 4 x 32 INCHES Below is a 2 x 2 pipe marker identifying the contents of the pipe as NITROGEN (a). DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER DOMESTIC CHILLED WATER a) 6 X 5 INCH WRAP TEMPLATE Pipe Markers Template. Select the Pipe Markers Template by pressing the ENTER key on the VnM 8 Keypad. 4 X 24 MARKER TEMPLATE 4 X 24 MARKER TEMPLATE 4 X 2.5 WRAP TEMPLATE 6 X 5 WRAP TEMPLATE 8 X 6 WRAP TEMPLATE 2. Select the corresponding Pipe Marker Template with the diameter pipe your are going to identify. Press the up and down arrow key to go through the Pipe Marker Template selections. ENTER TEXT: NITROGEN 3. Enter the text/symbols for the marker, press the ENTER key when complete. ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 4. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER. VnM8 TIPS IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT MARKING TEMPLATE TO USE REFER THE VNM PIPE MARKING GUIDE
VnM 8 SignMaker Templates - Arc Flash Template The Arc Flash Templates meets the NEC electrical code for Arc flash hazard warnings are required to reduce the occurrences of serious injury or death due to arcing faults to those who work on or near energized electrical equipment. a)4x7inches a)7x0inches Arc Hazard Template. Select the Arc Flash Hazard Template by pressing the ENTER key on the VnM8 Keypad. Select Media Size: PRESS 4 or 7 2. Select media size of 4" or 7" only. Press the number 4 or 7. ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 3. Enter the quantity to print and press ENTER. NOTE: Must use 4" or 7" Orange VnM Premium Vinyl or Engineer Grade Reflective media for the arc flash template. VnM8 TIPS TO GET BACK TO THE MAIN MENU PRESS AND HOLD DOWN THE ALT KEY AND EXIT BUTTON 2
VnM 8 SignMaker Templates - ANSI SIGN TEMPLATES The ANSI Sign templates are header templates that prints CAUTION, DANGER, NOTICE, SAFETY FIRST, OR WARNING on top & allows for a custom message from -4 lines to be printed in the space below. These tempates are a fixed sizes, 5 x7 & 7 x0. The font will squeze to the width of the sign depending on the number of characters entered per line. ANSI Sign Template. Select the ANSI Sign Templates by pressing the ENTER key on the VnM8 Keypad. CAUTION HEADER DANGER HEADER NOTICE HEADER SAFETY FIRST HEADER WARNING HEADER CUSTOM HEADER 2. Select the approperate header for your sign. Select Media Size: PRESS 5 or 7 3. Select the size of media you are using. NOTE: Only works with 5 or 7 me- HOW MANY LINES?: PRESS,2,3 OR 4 4. Select the number of lines of text to desiered. This will print below the Header text. ENTER FIRST LINE: NO SMOKING 5. Enter the st line of text. If you only require line of text skip to Enter Print Quantity ENTER SECOND LINE: BEYOND 6. Enter the 2nd line of text. If you only require 2 lines of text skip to Enter Print Quantity ENTER THIRD LINE: THIS 7. Enter the 3rd line of text. If you only require 3 lines of text skip to Enter Print Quantity ENTER FOURTH LINE: POINT 8. Enter the 4th line of text. ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 7. Enter the quantity of signs to be printed. 3
VnM 8 SignMaker Templates - Hazardous Waste Print the California Hazardous Waste Labels using the VnM8 SignMaker. Hazardous Waste. Select the Hazardous Waste template by pressing ENTER. From here you can Print the hazardous waste label, set the company contact info and set the date/ time settings Print Label 2. Select Print Label to begin filling out the Hazardous Waste Label form. ENTER EPA ID#: ENTER MANIFEST DOC #: ENTER EPA WASTE #: ENTER CA WASTE #: SELECT PHYSICAL STATE LIQUID SELECT HAZ PROPERTIES TOXIC ENTER ST LINE: ENTER 2ND LINE: 2a-l. Enter the information prompted to complete the label. To Select the Physical State and Hazardous Properties use the UP & Down arrows to naviate to Solid or Liquid and Flammable, Tocic, Corrostive, Reactivity, or other. ENTER CONENTS COMP L: ENTER 3RD LINE: ENTER CONENTS COMP L2: ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: ENTER QUANTITY TO PRINT: 2m. Select the quantity of Hazardous Warning Labels to be printed. ADMINISTRATION 3. Select Administration to enter the contact information that will be displayed on the Hazardous Warning Labels. Enter Company ABC COMPANY Enter Street Address 23 MAIN ST. Enter State: CA Enter Zip Code: 9200 3a-f Enter the information prompted to complete the company information to be printed on all Hazarous Warning Labels. Enter City: LOS ANGELES Enter Phone Number: 555 874 4569 DATE/TIME SETUP FOUR Digit Year Enter Hour (0-23): 20 23 3. Select Date/Time Setup to synranise the VnM8 Keypad to a real time clock. 3a-f Enter the date and time information as prompted on the screen. Enter Month (-2): 5 Enter Minute (0-59): Enter Day (-3): 23 4
VnM 8 SignMaker Templates - Test Print Settings & Select Font Utilize the VnM Print Settings template to change the VnM 8 print settings for certain VnM Inks and Media. To utilize different fonts or symbols, choose the Select Font template simply by pressing the up arrow key at the main menu. a) VNM PRINT SETTINGS TEST PRINT : WHITE VnM INK Optimal print setting for VnM White ink. Press ENTER to access the fonts SELECT FONT? b) c) d) TEST PRINT 2: BLACK VnM INK TEST PRINT 3: FAST - WHITE VnM INK TEST PRINT 4: FAST - BLACK VnM INK Optimal print setting for VnM Black ink Optimal fast print setting for VnM White ink Optimal fast print setting for VnM Black ink 2. Choose your font by pressing ENTER CHOOSE FONT? BOLD e) f) TEST PRINT 5: VnM INK TEST PRINT 6: VnM Print with high heat setting Manually input speed and heat settings CHOOSE FONT? SYMBOLS g) LOOK AT VNM MANUAL TURN CUTTER OFF Turn cutter off, all other setting turn on cutter CHOOSE FONT? h) LOOK AT VNM MANUAL BLANK CUT Cuts VnM Media in inches to desired size SYMBOLS2 CHOOSE FONT? NORMAL VnM8 TIPS TURN THE CUTTER OFF TO MIX AND MATCH VNM8 TEMPLATES. ONCE YOU HAVE THE DESIRED LOOK ACTIVATE INK SETTING TO TURN CUTTER BACK ON VnM8 TIPS USE THE BLANK CUT TEMPLATE TO CUT MEDIA TO A DESIRED LENGTH WITH NO PRINT. PERFECT FOR AISLE AND FLOOR MARKERS VnM8 TIPS WHEN USING A DIFFERENT COLOR VNM INK OR MEDIA USE THE VNM SETTING f) TO SET THE HEAT AND SPEED MANUALLY 5
VnM 8 SignMaker Templates - Fonts/Symbols When the Select Font template is selected, you can make a selection of 5 different fonts that contains symbols and different styles. After selecting your font, use the legend below to ensure you are getting the proper symbol for your sign. Keypad 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0! @ # $ % ^ & * Normal 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0! @ # $ % ^ & * Bold 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0! @ # $ % ^ & * * Symbols 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0! @ # $ % ^ & Symbols2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0! @ # $ % ^ & * Symbols3 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0! @ # $ % ^ & * Utility 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0! @ # $ % ^ & * NOTE: After selecting your font, keep in mind to use this font legend. The Keypad legend is what you see for the required symbol below. Keypad ( ) - + = /? ; :. Normal ( ) - + = /? ; :. Bold ( ) - + = /? ; :. Symbols ( ) - + = /? ; :. Symbols2 ( ) - + = /? ; :. Symbols3 ( ) - + = /? ; :. Utility ( ) - + = /? ; :. Keypad A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Normal A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Bold A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Symbols A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Symbols2 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Symbols3 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Utility A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O NOTE: What you see on the keypad will not show up as a symbol. ie: Symbols font is chosen, press SHIFT + key to get /. The Keypad lcd:! Keypad P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Normal P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Bold P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Symbols P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Symbols2 P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Symbols3 P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Utility P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Keypad a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Normal a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Bold a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Symbols a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Symbols2 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Symbols3 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Utility a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Keypad p q r s t u v w x y z Normal p q r s t u v w x y z Bold p q r s t u v w x y z Symbols p q r s t u v w x y z Symbols2 p q r s t u v w x y z Symbols3 p q r s t u v w x y z Utility p q r s t u v w x y z 6
VnM 8 SignMaker Common Questions Q: How do I get out of a VnM template? A: Press EXIT to go back or press and hold down the ALT key and press EXIT at the same time to go back to the main menu. Q: I made a spelling mistake on a multi-line template, how do I get back to the line I made a spelling error? A: Press EXIT and choose the template again. You will have to retype your sign. Q: I am trying to make quotation marks on the sign and when it prints, no text shows up, what do I do? A: In order to print quotation marks ( ) you must hold down the SHIFT key + (.) PERIOD key to create an apostrophe ( ). Repeat the process again to get ( ). Q: The VnM Ink Roll is coming out with the VnM Media and is being cut, what do I do? A: Tape the cut ink to the take-up core with a piece of scotch tape and wind up the slack. Turn the printer OFF and wait two seconds, then turn back ON. Print a label. Q: The print quality is splotchy and I notice lines in the final label, what should I do? A: Make sure you are using the right print setting with VnM Ink Roll you are using. Also make sure the printhead is clean with the provided cleaning pen and that you have minimal skin contact with the media. VnM SignMaker is a registered trademark of Cobra Systems, Inc. For more information, please visit www.vnmsignmaker.com 7